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Sunshine Coast

Golden sands, lush hinterland...


From sunrise swims to starry hikes – this coast has it all

Leave only footprints, take unforgettable memories. The Sunshine Coast’s 100km of golden shoreline is where lazy beach days, wildlife wonders and hinterland magic collide – just an hour north of Brisbane.

From the bougie beach vibes of Noosa to Mooloolaba’s foodie scene and the relaxed charm of Caloundra, each coastal town has its own tale to tell. But the real surprises lie just inland: rainforest waterfalls to chase, volcanic peaks to hike, and artisan villages to explore.

This is a place where you can snorkel alongside turtles one day and swim fin-to-fin with humpback whales the next – Australia’s first swim-with-whales experience is right here.

And let’s not forget the flavours – local produce that travels from paddock to plate faster than you can say “another craft beer, thanks.” Think breezy cafes, thriving farmers markets and seriously good breweries.

Ready for a sun-soaked escape that’s anything but ordinary? Chat to your House of Travel consultant and start planning your holiday.

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Flight time

Flying from Auckland to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) takes around 4 hours. You can also fly to Brisbane and hire a car to drive to the Coast.

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Best time to go

Visit from September to November for warm days, and fewer crowds - best for swimming, exploring and alfresco dining. December to February is whale season and best for beach weather but it is peak holiday season so book early! March to May is great for hinterland walks and waterfalls with mild temperatures and clear skies. June to August is the best for crisp mornings and sunny days, and is also whale migration season.

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Time difference

Sunshine Coast is 2 hours behind New Zealand (or 3 hours during daylight saving). This small time difference is easy to adjust to, making for a seamless transition.

Our favourite things to do in the Sunshine Coast

Discover the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland feels a world away from their sandy shores, but in reality, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from the coastline

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Discover Sunshine Coast's epic food scene

The restaurant scene is buzzing here and we guarantee you’ll be able to taste the sunshine.

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A kid with Kangaroos from Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo - Home of the Crocodile Hunter!

Just 45-minutes drive from Mooloolaba, this world-famous zoo—founded by the legendary Steve Irwin—offers up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.

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Watch the sunset from the water

Take in the pink and orange hues of the sun going down while gliding along the Mooloolaba River.

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Explore Noosa National Park

Discover scenic walking trails, spot dolphins, whales (June-October), sea turtles, and even koalas in the wild.

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"She answered our queries politely and offered suggestion’s"

Susan

"Always goes above and beyond to accomodate our wishes when we are booking our yearly overseas travel.Nothing is ever a problem"

Roger

"fast and kind Highly recommended"

Jairo

Meet our Sunshine Coast specialists

Sarah Martelli

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Lovely to meet you! My love for travel began early—at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I’ve never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I’m here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I’m known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.


Sarah

Melanie Hubber

Melanie Hubber

House of Travel Ferrymead

I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future. 

My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.

I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years. 

I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday. 

Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination. 

I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone. 

Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for. 

Mel

Linley Pearce

Linley Pearce

House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square

I have travelled to many countries & experienced many forms of travel - plane, train, river boat, coach, helicopter, longtail boat ....... I love to travel to old cities as I love buildings & architecture, food, wine, people watching & taking photos.

Travel constantly challenges me, I especially love interesting flight itineraries. I have over 35 yrs experience in this complex and dynamic industry, I can use my knowledge to work with you to create your journey no matter the destination.

Linley

Hayley Mundy

Hayley Mundy

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

After 30 years selling travel, its still a buzz creating fabulous holidays, watching my clients anticipation and being a part of the planning, knowing the excitement they have towards their journey and of course hearing all about it when they return ... It's almost as good as being on the trip with them! 

Travel has really changed over the last few years, so let me help you navigate this new travel era, and create a holiday to remember, with the backing of an incredible House of Travel team.

Hayley


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